Wisconsin’s Antlerless-Only Holiday Hunt Opens Sunday In Participating Counties
During the Holiday Hunt, only antlerless deer may be harvested in participating counties, and all weapon types are allowed.
This time of year is all about spending quality time with friends and family. What better way to spend some quality time with loved ones than getting out and enjoying the last gun deer hunt of the year together? Wisconsin’s Holiday Hunt will take place in select farmland zone counties from Dec. 24, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024.
During the Holiday Hunt, only antlerless deer may be harvested in participating counties, and all weapon types are allowed.
Hunters must ensure at least 50% of outer clothing above the waist is blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Hats or head coverings, if worn, also must be at least 50% blaze orange or fluorescent pink. Faded or stained clothing is unsafe, may not be legal and should be replaced immediately.
When hunting from a ground blind on state property, a minimum of 144 square inches of solid blaze orange or fluorescent pink material must be visible from all directions.
It’s important for all hunters to do their part to keep Wisconsin a safe place to hunt by following the TAB-K firearm safety rules:
T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B – Be certain of your target, what’s before it and what’s beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are safe to shoot.
View the 2023 deer season map to learn which counties are participating in the Holiday Hunt.
Good luck to those participating in this hunt, and happy holidays to all!
Start The New Year Off Right With Wisconsin’s State Parks
Hoping to get outside more in 2024? Why not get started on New Year’s Day? Join the DNR at one of several First Day Hikes we have scheduled across the state.
Participating in a First Day Hike is a healthy, refreshing way to kick off the new year, and they’re a lot of fun too!
Several properties offer 1 to 3-mile guided hikes led by property naturalists or local experts. These hikes have a specific start time and gathering spot, providing a great introduction to winter adventuring for beginner hikers or those new to exploring Wisconsin’s natural areas. Some guided hikes are pet-free, so please check with the property before bringing your furry friends.
Self-guided hikes allow participants to choose their own pace or difficulty level, from gently sloping nature trails to advanced routes. Drop by anytime during the event window, and property staff may offer maps and recommendations for self-guided adventuring.
First Day Hikes are free, but a Wisconsin state park admission sticker or state trail pass may be required. For those who need a state park daily admission pass, a free one may be available at your local library. Learn more about participating libraries.
Most events include options beyond hiking, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, refreshments and winter activities. Those interested in snowshoe rentals or reserving an outdoor wheelchair should contact the property beforehand. Additionally, check with the property for universally accessible trail conditions.
If a First Day Hike is unavailable in your area, you are still invited to visit a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area. Properties are open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
First Day Hikes Scheduled:
- Buckhorn State Park
- Copper Falls State Park
- Council Grounds State Park
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Havenwoods State Forest
- Interstate Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
- MacKenzie Center
- Newport State Park
- Peninsula State Park
- Perrot State Park
- Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
- Point Beach State Forest
- Red Cedar State Trail
- Rib Mountain State Park
- Richard Bong State Recreation Area
- Roche-A-Cri State Park
- Straight Lake State Park
- Whitefish Dunes State Park
For details on First Day Hike events, visit the DNR’s event calendar. Note that events may be canceled in cases of inclement weather. Check back often for updates.
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The Perfect Last-Second Gift For Lovers Of The Outdoors
Son of a nutcracker! Christmas is just days away. Do you have something for everyone on your list?
Or maybe you just need one more thing to stick in their stocking. No problem! Give the gift that every outdoor enthusiast in (and outside of) Wisconsin will love.
For just $5, they’ll receive 5 issues, including our annual calendar. Normally $8.97 for four issues, your friends and family will get an extra issue to help them find their adventure in our great state. Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is filled with beautiful photos and in-depth articles and tips about Wisconsin’s state parks, hunting, fishing, recipes and a whole lot more!
And don’t forget – a this price, you can get yourself a gift, too!
Gifting is easy – subscribe online or call 1-800-678-9472 and mention this special offer now through Jan. 2, 2024.
And, to make the gifting even easier, download and print this lovely little postcard for the special person receiving your gift.
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Lake Superior’s Lake Trout Season Is Underway
Did you know that the Wisconsin waters of Lake Superior are divided into two management units? That’s right, the Western Arm, or WI-1, (from Superior to Bark Point) and the Apostle Islands region, or WI-2, (from Bark Point to the Michigan border).
Each of these management units has its own lake trout harvest quotas based on its current lake trout populations, and since the Apostle Islands region experiences more fishing pressure, a system is in place to trigger an early lake trout season closure if needed.
Just this year, the recreational harvest number is currently proposed to increase by 18% to 15,000 lake trout as a result of above-average recruitment of younger lake trout into the fishery. This new quota would be in place through the 2026 season.
WI-1 has a bag limit of three lake trout, while WI-2 has a bag limit of two lake trout. In both zones, fish must be a minimum of 15 inches, and only one fish can be longer than 25 inches.
This year’s season will remain open until Sept. 30, 2024, or until the harvest cap is met. You can learn more about fishing for lake trout on the DNR’s Lake Superior Lake Trout webpage.
Make sure you have your Great Lakes trout and salmon stamp and your 2023-2024 fishing license before heading out to catch yourself a lake trout! Licenses and stamps can be purchased online through the Go Wild system or at any license sales location.
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